Recommended Bolt on's
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 5
From: Canton MI
Recommended Bolt on's
Hi Everyone,
I upgraded to a c6 this summer and the mod itch is coming back.
Car is a 2008 3lt A6. I was wondering what bolt on's are popular and what feedback you guys may have?
I am looking at vararam and headers to start, but wondering what other options I could take after. Are the LSX intakes even worth it on the LS3? been out of the loop longer than I would like.
Goal is to go fast w/o making this car a pain to drive, ya know the usual
I upgraded to a c6 this summer and the mod itch is coming back.
Car is a 2008 3lt A6. I was wondering what bolt on's are popular and what feedback you guys may have?I am looking at vararam and headers to start, but wondering what other options I could take after. Are the LSX intakes even worth it on the LS3? been out of the loop longer than I would like.
Goal is to go fast w/o making this car a pain to drive, ya know the usual
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Canton Massachusetts
I have a C6 Z06 and those are the first two or so mods I made/am making. I would also recommend a 160* thermostat. Camshaft/kit and install is also close to top of the line headers/x pipe as well if you want to go that route. However as previously mentioned there's plenty of bolt on supercharger kits to give you well over 500rwhp and it will drive/idle well too.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
I went with headers/tune, Vararam and 4:10 gearing in my LS3 MN6.
It did wake up the car a lot, with zero driving issues other than a very slight surge with the Vararam installed. I eventually removed the CAI.
FI is the best bang for the buck. Consider the headers and Corsa Sports along with the 4:10 rear end and tune ran near $6,500 installed.
The 4:10's with the MN6 shows dramatic improvement in the fun department.
If substantial power is the main goal go FI. But a LS3 with headers and gears is a blast to drive with a manual transmission.
It did wake up the car a lot, with zero driving issues other than a very slight surge with the Vararam installed. I eventually removed the CAI.
FI is the best bang for the buck. Consider the headers and Corsa Sports along with the 4:10 rear end and tune ran near $6,500 installed.
The 4:10's with the MN6 shows dramatic improvement in the fun department.
If substantial power is the main goal go FI. But a LS3 with headers and gears is a blast to drive with a manual transmission.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
Likes: 3,150
From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Obviously, a supercharger will give you the very biggest gains, but if your not ready for that:
1. Headers with cats and tune (about a 40 RWHP gain)
2. 3,000 - 3,200 stall torque converter (you will be amazed at how much harder the car launches)
3. Chuck CoW "Throttle Booster" (no more power at WOT, but excellent throttle response during normal everyday driving)
4. Cam change
BTW ... The LS3 has a pretty good flowing intake manifold already. If your using the stock cam, not really worth the price of admission.
An aftermarket air filter assembly (CAI) is ok ... but in reality, not much of a real power gain over the OEM unit. Your OEM LS3 air filter assembly is the same as used on the LS7 / Z06. If it can support the airflow requirements of a 505 HP LS7, it can certainly support the airflow of you stock or slightly modified LS3.
Enjoy!
.
1. Headers with cats and tune (about a 40 RWHP gain)
2. 3,000 - 3,200 stall torque converter (you will be amazed at how much harder the car launches)
3. Chuck CoW "Throttle Booster" (no more power at WOT, but excellent throttle response during normal everyday driving)
4. Cam change
BTW ... The LS3 has a pretty good flowing intake manifold already. If your using the stock cam, not really worth the price of admission.
An aftermarket air filter assembly (CAI) is ok ... but in reality, not much of a real power gain over the OEM unit. Your OEM LS3 air filter assembly is the same as used on the LS7 / Z06. If it can support the airflow requirements of a 505 HP LS7, it can certainly support the airflow of you stock or slightly modified LS3.
Enjoy!
.
Last edited by Turbo6TA; Aug 21, 2013 at 07:25 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 11,792
Likes: 255
From: Ossining New York
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'12-'13-'14
Thank you Ron!
Obviously, a supercharger will give you the very biggest gains, but if your not ready for that:
1. Headers with cats and tune (about a 40 RWHP gain)
2. 3,000 - 3,200 stall torque converter (you will be amazed at how much harder the car launches)
3. Chuck CoW "Throttle Booster" (no more power at WOT, but excellent throttle response during normal everyday driving)
4. Cam change
BTW ... The LS3 has a pretty good flowing intake manifold already. If your using the stock cam, not really worth the price of admission.
An aftermarket air filter assembly (CAI) is ok ... but in reality, not much of a real power gain over the OEM unit. Your OEM LS3 air filter assembly is the same as used on the LS7 / Z06. If it can support the airflow requirements of a 505 HP LS7, it can certainly support the airflow of you stock or slightly modified LS3.
Enjoy!
.
1. Headers with cats and tune (about a 40 RWHP gain)
2. 3,000 - 3,200 stall torque converter (you will be amazed at how much harder the car launches)
3. Chuck CoW "Throttle Booster" (no more power at WOT, but excellent throttle response during normal everyday driving)
4. Cam change
BTW ... The LS3 has a pretty good flowing intake manifold already. If your using the stock cam, not really worth the price of admission.
An aftermarket air filter assembly (CAI) is ok ... but in reality, not much of a real power gain over the OEM unit. Your OEM LS3 air filter assembly is the same as used on the LS7 / Z06. If it can support the airflow requirements of a 505 HP LS7, it can certainly support the airflow of you stock or slightly modified LS3.
Enjoy!
.
And...YES, you ARE THE MAN!
Looking forward to coming back to Florida and some more nice tropical drinks with you and the crew!
Thanks!
Chuck CoW
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Hi Everyone,
I upgraded to a c6 this summer and the mod itch is coming back. Car is a 2008 3lt A6. I was wondering what bolt on's are popular and what feedback you guys may have?
I am looking at vararam and headers to start, but wondering what other options I could take after. Are the LSX intakes even worth it on the LS3? been out of the loop longer than I would like.
Goal is to go fast w/o making this car a pain to drive, ya know the usual
I upgraded to a c6 this summer and the mod itch is coming back.
Car is a 2008 3lt A6. I was wondering what bolt on's are popular and what feedback you guys may have?I am looking at vararam and headers to start, but wondering what other options I could take after. Are the LSX intakes even worth it on the LS3? been out of the loop longer than I would like.
Goal is to go fast w/o making this car a pain to drive, ya know the usual
There's more questions, but those are good for starters.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Cam changes bring in possible driving issues as well as increased maintenance. To do a factory type tune with a cam change is no short ordeal. Bigger the cam the more power and the better the tune is required.
If doing all the bolt on mods including the cam might as well go FI.
More power and can be smog legal if this is a worry.
If doing all the bolt on mods including the cam might as well go FI.
More power and can be smog legal if this is a worry.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Columbus GA
As above what are goals. Staying N/A or going FI later?
If N/A then full Exhuast, CAI. UDP, RR, FAST, 102 TB, Cam, stall, Heads,gears and be done. Depending on setup of cam and heads can make close to mid 500whp. This is my plan then later a 429 LS3 stroker.
If FI exhaust then blower. Last to gain few ponies Fast set up. Built engine later.
When you get a stall already have made up mind what route taking if FI or N/A. cause it will determine stall speed, how loose it will be. In my blown 5.0 i ran a circle D 3800 2c. N/a people run 3500-5000 5c. And go with Circle D. More expensive then most but well worth it.
If N/A then full Exhuast, CAI. UDP, RR, FAST, 102 TB, Cam, stall, Heads,gears and be done. Depending on setup of cam and heads can make close to mid 500whp. This is my plan then later a 429 LS3 stroker.
If FI exhaust then blower. Last to gain few ponies Fast set up. Built engine later.
When you get a stall already have made up mind what route taking if FI or N/A. cause it will determine stall speed, how loose it will be. In my blown 5.0 i ran a circle D 3800 2c. N/a people run 3500-5000 5c. And go with Circle D. More expensive then most but well worth it.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 5
From: Canton MI
Thanks for all the great feedback so far, this really does help.
This was not on my radar. Did a little research, did you go w/ the Vmax? 150 sounds worth it just for the throttle response.
Chuck's COW sounds awesome, I am just too far away.
Or the Alexis 500 . I am up in Michigan now, need to update my location. Main goal of this car is an enjoyable, mean street car. I do occasionally visit the track, but I enjoy the street environment more. My last corvette on a 150 shot ran mid 11's in the mid 120's on street tires, so it was easily duplicated on the streets. I like to cruise around then, when needed, mash it and forget about it. Can't wait to see what the LS3 has in it.
Regarding length of ownership, I can see myself in this car for at least 2-3 years. I kept my c5 for 10 years, but wow do I love the c7. Wish i had the crystal ball to answer that one.
For the cam guys, I have never had a cammed or h/c car. They sure look and sound fun. How do these feel on a stock converter and what extra maintentece do you encounter? Would you cam your car again?
The ECS Novi kit looks like the dream setup, but its expensive and I want to see what else is out there first.
Keep the advice coming!
Chuck's COW sounds awesome, I am just too far away.
Knowing a little more about your goals would help to point you in a direction. Just wanting to go fast is too ambiguous. Do you want to play at Milan or Norwalk or are you happy cruising the Trail and Reynolds Rd? Do you have a budget limit? Are you planning to sell the car in a couple years or keep it for a longer time?
There's more questions, but those are good for starters.
There's more questions, but those are good for starters.
. I am up in Michigan now, need to update my location. Main goal of this car is an enjoyable, mean street car. I do occasionally visit the track, but I enjoy the street environment more. My last corvette on a 150 shot ran mid 11's in the mid 120's on street tires, so it was easily duplicated on the streets. I like to cruise around then, when needed, mash it and forget about it. Can't wait to see what the LS3 has in it. Regarding length of ownership, I can see myself in this car for at least 2-3 years. I kept my c5 for 10 years, but wow do I love the c7. Wish i had the crystal ball to answer that one.
For the cam guys, I have never had a cammed or h/c car. They sure look and sound fun. How do these feel on a stock converter and what extra maintentece do you encounter? Would you cam your car again?
The ECS Novi kit looks like the dream setup, but its expensive and I want to see what else is out there first.
Keep the advice coming!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Don't bother with a ported throttle body. That's more of something you do once you run out of things to spend money on. There are far more effective ways to spend/save that money. It depends on your budget, though. You could bolt on a supercharger with low boost, and you'll notice a nice increase in power. You'll be paying a large sum of money for this.
You could go with headers and a ported ls3 intake, both of which will make an actual difference. Then tune it and you will get increased throttle response, as well. No gimmicks needed. This is not quite as much money and will get you a decent boost.
You could also just take it to a good tuner who will street and dyno tune it. This will pick up power and make the throttle response better.
You could go with headers and a ported ls3 intake, both of which will make an actual difference. Then tune it and you will get increased throttle response, as well. No gimmicks needed. This is not quite as much money and will get you a decent boost.
You could also just take it to a good tuner who will street and dyno tune it. This will pick up power and make the throttle response better.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Or the Alexis 500 . I am up in Michigan now, need to update my location. Main goal of this car is an enjoyable, mean street car. I do occasionally visit the track, but I enjoy the street environment more. My last corvette on a 150 shot ran mid 11's in the mid 120's on street tires, so it was easily duplicated on the streets. I like to cruise around then, when needed, mash it and forget about it. Can't wait to see what the LS3 has in it.
Regarding length of ownership, I can see myself in this car for at least 2-3 years. I kept my c5 for 10 years, but wow do I love the c7. Wish i had the crystal ball to answer that one.
The ECS Novi kit looks like the dream setup, but its expensive and I want to see what else is out there first.
Keep the advice coming!
. I am up in Michigan now, need to update my location. Main goal of this car is an enjoyable, mean street car. I do occasionally visit the track, but I enjoy the street environment more. My last corvette on a 150 shot ran mid 11's in the mid 120's on street tires, so it was easily duplicated on the streets. I like to cruise around then, when needed, mash it and forget about it. Can't wait to see what the LS3 has in it. Regarding length of ownership, I can see myself in this car for at least 2-3 years. I kept my c5 for 10 years, but wow do I love the c7. Wish i had the crystal ball to answer that one.
The ECS Novi kit looks like the dream setup, but its expensive and I want to see what else is out there first.
Keep the advice coming!
So with all considered, I'd take the initial hit for the SC, because you'll get the power without the loss of any other virtues. You'll also be able to easily revert back to stock to sell the car and the SC too, if the C7 bug bites hard.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 5
From: Canton MI
Yeah, I noticed you moved to MI real quick.
So with all considered, I'd take the initial hit for the SC, because you'll get the power without the loss of any other virtues. You'll also be able to easily revert back to stock to sell the car and the SC too, if the C7 bug bites hard.
So with all considered, I'd take the initial hit for the SC, because you'll get the power without the loss of any other virtues. You'll also be able to easily revert back to stock to sell the car and the SC too, if the C7 bug bites hard.
The ECS kit sounds amazing. Whatever happens, I know Dr. Phil will be tuning my setup. I would like to hear from the cam guys. I have been around a lot of n20, sc, and turbo'd cars, but somewhat of a newb when it comes to cracking into the internals like that. 
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 11,792
Likes: 255
From: Ossining New York
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'12-'13-'14
You're never too far away!
Thanks for all the great feedback so far, this really does help.
This was not on my radar. Did a little research, did you go w/ the Vmax? 150 sounds worth it just for the throttle response.
Chuck's COW sounds awesome, I am just too far away.
Or the Alexis 500. I am up in Michigan now, need to update my location. Main goal of this car is an enjoyable, mean street car. I do occasionally visit the track, but I enjoy the street environment more. My last corvette on a 150 shot ran mid 11's in the mid 120's on street tires, so it was easily duplicated on the streets. I like to cruise around then, when needed, mash it and forget about it. Can't wait to see what the LS3 has in it.
Regarding length of ownership, I can see myself in this car for at least 2-3 years. I kept my c5 for 10 years, but wow do I love the c7. Wish i had the crystal ball to answer that one.
For the cam guys, I have never had a cammed or h/c car. They sure look and sound fun. How do these feel on a stock converter and what extra maintentece do you encounter? Would you cam your car again?
The ECS Novi kit looks like the dream setup, but its expensive and I want to see what else is out there first.
Keep the advice coming!
This was not on my radar. Did a little research, did you go w/ the Vmax? 150 sounds worth it just for the throttle response.
Chuck's COW sounds awesome, I am just too far away.
Or the Alexis 500
. I am up in Michigan now, need to update my location. Main goal of this car is an enjoyable, mean street car. I do occasionally visit the track, but I enjoy the street environment more. My last corvette on a 150 shot ran mid 11's in the mid 120's on street tires, so it was easily duplicated on the streets. I like to cruise around then, when needed, mash it and forget about it. Can't wait to see what the LS3 has in it. Regarding length of ownership, I can see myself in this car for at least 2-3 years. I kept my c5 for 10 years, but wow do I love the c7. Wish i had the crystal ball to answer that one.
For the cam guys, I have never had a cammed or h/c car. They sure look and sound fun. How do these feel on a stock converter and what extra maintentece do you encounter? Would you cam your car again?
The ECS Novi kit looks like the dream setup, but its expensive and I want to see what else is out there first.
Keep the advice coming!
You're never too far away for me.
If you currently have an engine tune you like, you can send me your pcm for a quick turn around
and if you want to ditch the tune you have (or you don't have one) I can send you an exchange PCM cloned perfectly for
your car with the tune and CoW BOOSTER! in it.
As I said, you're never too far away and with our AutoCal device you can be anywhere in the world with internet access.
This week alone I tuned vehicles in 3 different countries thru the mail and internet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call any time.
Stay TUNED!
Chuck CoW
